During a recent writing circle, I was prompted to write a letter to my late grandpa Zettel... here's what transpired. Perhaps this might inspire you to write a letter to a late family member. ❤️
Dear Grandpa,
I often think of my deep connection to Grandma and how I missed out on time with her in my childhood because of my mother and her not getting along. Today I realized that I also miss time with you.
We would have loved golfing in the summer, curling in the winter or napping through the middle innings of Blue Jays games together. I would have loved to milk cows with you or to lose to you in cribbage. Can you imagine taking me for a rip on your oh-so-illegal and dangerous three-wheeler, a game of catch at the ball diamond, or casting a line into the Teeswater River that ran along the farm lane?
Or perhaps you could have rested in your recliner chair with a nice glass of wine while I sat at the table and quizzed you on days gone by.
What was your school like? What was the war like? When did you know you wanted to be a farmer? Did you have any other jobs? Was there any other option? What did you do on your first date with Gran? What was your favourite childhood memory? What was your favourite family memory? What was the secret to being married for over 50 years? Did you know the names of all 39 grandchildren, or did Grandma have to remind you? What advice would you have for me? What was my dad like as a kid?
Love,
Sarah
Dear Sarah,
It's not too late to get the answers to these questions.
I took Gran to a dance on our first date. She wore a pink dress. I'll never forget it.
I was born into farming and never considered any other option, even though the Donnellys' logging operation looked lucrative.
My favourite childhood memory was doing Blue Angels with my buddies, and my favourite family memory was teaching my grandkids what a Blue Angel was and how to do it, much to their parents' dismay.
The secret to a long marriage is love. We got lucky. Our love lasted a long time.
I knew the names of all 39 grandchildren, but I needed help with some of the great-grandchildren's names, especially the ones that live far away.
Your dad was the smartest and most rebellious kid in the county. He worked hard and played harder. He loved the animals on the farm and was an amazing big brother, even when he taught his younger siblings to party.
My advice to you is to follow your heart. It knows the way. Keep a strong faith. Be grateful. Love fiercely. Have fun. Laugh every day. Golf often. Cheer for the Blue Jays. Remember your roots. We are always here with you.
Love,
Grandpa
Dear Grandpa,
Those are very special answers, and I am so grateful.
And while we are chatting, can I ask one more? What is it like in heaven?
Love,
Sarah
Dear Sarah,
It's just how you imagined.
We are all here together, me, Gran, your dad, and your brother Jon. We all stay the same age.
We laugh. We golf often. We hang out at the Legion. The flowers are always in bloom.
We are always watching you and always with you. We are so proud of the work you are doing. Keep going.
Love,
Grandpa
Dear Grandpa,
Thank you so much for your visit today. I really enjoyed our chat.
I miss you and love you.
Love,
Sarah
P.S. I found this photo of you, me, and Dad at our first-ever Zettel9 baseball tournament. I was pregnant with Charlie, so it was in the summer of 2007. We won the championship, and you and Dad were so happy.